Feeling like a Fraud? Here is Everything You Need to Know about Imposter Syndrome...
Imposter Syndrome
I walked through the floor to the ceiling glass doors at the entrance of the highrise. They closed behind me with a gentle thump as I heard the valet drive off in my car. As I pushed the elevator button to start my ascent to the top floor, a sullen feeling overcame me: did I deserve this? There is no doubt that I have the experience necessary for this position, but so did all the other 15 candidates who got through the first round. Was I only hired because my friend from college was on the interview board? Sure we have not been close for a while, but if she had not been a key figure in the company already, would I still have been chosen? Is this another case of luck simply being on my side and nothing to do with my own hard work and effort?
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The above anecdote serves as a prime example of Imposter Syndrome. This is a term created in 1978, by clinical psychologists Paulin Clance and Suzanne Imes, to describe the manner in which people discredit their own achievements and success because of good-timing or simply luck, as in the example above. Individuals with imposters syndrome think that others view themselves as more intelligent or competent than they actually are. Additionally, they go through their day to day life in fear that in any moment, somebody will call them out for being a fake or a fraud. This phenomenon was first discovered in high-achieving women, but current research shows that men and women are equally likely to suffer from these self-sabotaging thoughts and they can manifest themselves in a few different ways:
Perfectionists - This form of imposter syndrome involves an individual setting high expectations for themselves and resulting in feelings of inadequacy even from the smallest of mistakes.Superman/Superwoman - These individuals will dedicate countless hours every day as a means of proving to others, and to themselves, that they are deserving of their success. Burnout is a frequent issue for them .
The Quick Learner - This category of imposter syndrome features individuals who are used to getting the hang of things relatively easily, so when something is difficult or takes more time than usual to master, they feel ashamed of themselves or engage in self-doubt.
Independent Worker - As the name suggests, individuals with this form of imposter syndrome prefer to work alone because they are wary to ask for help and feel like a failure when they do so.The Expert - This final category describes individuals who constantly seek additional proof of their knowledge through means of training, awards, certifications, because they are afraid they will never know enough to be seen as qualified.
These categories are by no means the only ways in which imposter syndrome can be present in our day to day lives, and it is not uncommon for us to fit into more than one of them also.
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There are certain factors and situations that can cause someone to experience imposter syndrome. Being raised by a family that placed a high value on achievement and status can result in constant games of comparison between you and your peers. Additionally, parents who tended to go back and forth between offering praise for your achievements and being critical by pointing out areas to improve or mistakes can instill this similar way of thinking in you. Although you may achieve many things in your life in the form of a promotion, job acquisition, or acceptance to a university, you may still find reasons to undermine your own success because of your upbringing.
Imposter syndrome also occurs in large part to specific situations we may find ourselves in. For example, we may feel confident in training new coworkers or working on simple tasks, but speaking to our colleagues or those of a higher level of expertise may result in feelings of inadequacy and cause us to doubt ourselves. It is most prevalent when we undergo transitional stages in life such as starting a new job or our first year at a university, asking ourselves questions such as, “Do I even belong here?” The feelings that are brought about can be severely detrimental to our health and wellbeing by causing stress, anxiety, low self-confidence, and even depression. Moreover, it limits our courage to pursue new opportunities or explore other areas of interest. -
If you find aspects of your own thinking present in the examples and subtypes of imposter syndrome above, there are ways to overcome these beliefs of inadequacy:
Your feelings are not facts - There may be times we may feel inadequate or that we do not belong and that is a normal part of life. The key is to realize that although we may feel these types of ways, they are not necessarily true or unable to be changed.
Speak to your mentors - It is crucial to have an encouraging and supportive supervisor who can speak of your personal growth. They may reassure you that your feelings of being an imposter are both normal and irrational.
Acknowledge your own expertise - Remember the example above about coaching new coworkers? Teaching others can remind you of how you were once in the students position and can also be representative of how far you have come and how much knowledge you now have to offer.
Know your strengths - As humans, we all have things we are good at and things we are not so good at. Take time to write down and visualize the things you excel at, as well as aspects of your life that may need improvement.
Treat yourself - Arguably the most important aspect of being a hard worker is to remember to reward yourself from time to time. Learn to pat yourself on the back and look back at all the work you have completed or your achievements.
Nobody is perfect - Sure this is a hackneyed phrase, but it is good to be reminded of this nonetheless. Sometimes perfection is not achievable and it is important to still appreciate your own hard work and reward your successes.
React differently to your failures and mistakes - This one may not come easy, but it is essential to not blow mistakes, or failures, out of proportion. So many times we find ourselves defining our self-worth through our work that failures on the job equate to failures at being a human being. Your mistakes do not define who you are.
See yourself as others see you - We are always our own biggest critic. Don’t say things to yourself you would not say to a friend, and see yourself through the eyes of those who value you! They aren’t wrong, they are seeing something in you that is true!
Imposter syndrome and its associated thoughts often go undiscussed by most and it is important to understand that you are no less normal for having them. It is estimated that 70% of individuals will experience these symptoms at least once in their life. After reading this article, remind yourself of your worth whenever these feelings start to overtake you and utilize the techniques above to assist you.
Remember: you are here in this world for a reason. You deserve to be here in the position you are in! -